<p>Hello,
I was strongly considering applying to the University of Pennsylvania for premed, but after talking to some people who go there, I have begun to hear that its nearly impossible to do well in the biology classes there and such. I am still considering applying, but I want some alternatives.
GPA: 4.02
ACT Composite 31
Math 33
English 28
Reading 32
Science 29
Tons of extracurricular and community service
Pakistani/Asian
Thanks Everyone!</p>
<p>Does it have to be IN Philadelphia? The schools that would in the next quality and selectivity level below U. Penn. aren’t in Philadelphia. Johns Hopkins is slightly easier to get into but probably also difficult to get good grades. Emory? University of Rochester? Do you want small or large? If you’re willing to go small, Haverford but it will be a little bit of a reach with a 31.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, and yes I would like it to be in Philadelphia. This is mostly due to the fact that my parents won’t allow me to go too far. I am relatively indifferent towards the size. Also, from what I hear going to a urban, public, Philadelphia school gives me a huge advantage along with being a minority, so would a school like Haverford really be so unrealistic? Excuse me if I sound naive, I am just speaking from what I have heard. Also, are the rumors of UPenn premed related courses being nearly impossible to do well in true? I consider myself to be a very hard worker and pretty bright, but then again I am only comparing myself to others in my school.
Thanks again.</p>
<p>Your stats are lowish for schools like UPenn.</p>
<p>How far (in miles) will your family let you go? </p>
<p>How much will your parents spend each year? Will they pay for anywhere you get in?</p>
<p>Haverford is known for its science program, and you can also cross-register for classes at Penn.</p>
<p>How about Temple Univ?</p>
<p>Haverford is excellent. Swarthmore, although also tough, is a great choice. Temple would be a good safety.</p>
<p>going to a urban, public, Philadelphia school gives me a huge advantage along with being a minority</p>
<p>At many universities, being Asian is not a minority…even more so at med schools… At many schools and many med schools, an Asian is an ORM…over represented minority. You’d have to go to specific regions in the country where schools only have small % Asians to be considered a minority</p>
<p>For instance, Asians are about 5% of the population, but 11% of the students at Temple are Asian. So, not a minority there. </p>
<p>And why would going to an urban, public, Philadelphia school give you a huge advantage?</p>
<p>And…how many “urban, public, Philadelphia schools” are there? Temple and ???</p>
<p>Some privates in/near Philly are…</p>
<p>Swarthmore
Haverford
St. Joseph
La Salle
Drexel</p>
<p>If you’re going to limit yourself to urban publics in Philly, your choices are small.</p>
<p>Haverford is possible. You should definitely try. I think Lafayette is only about an hour from Philly and would be more definite. Hopkins is not too far (isn’t Baltimore only an hour) and they seem give a slight advantage to students who show interest and apply early.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids
I was referring to the fact that I am currently enrolled in a urban, public, Philadelphia high school.
How do Drexel students usually fair on MCATS? I know that they are mostly knows for engineering, but i don’t know too much about their premed program. Also I really do not want to go to Temple. It may seem like a good school, but every second person in Philadelphia is considering going there and I don’t think they would prepare me very well. Also, I have realized that I kind of want to stay in the city. I know I am asking for a lot. Thanks Again!
Edit: Also, how is USP for premed? I know their pharmacy program is great so the premed program should also be good right?</p>
<p>LaSalle does surprising well in med-school apps. The pre-meds who study at LaSalle are a small self-selecting group. This may be why your will never hear LaSalle being known for pre-med. Look at your local doctors and you will be surprised at the number who do undergrad at LaSalle.</p>
<p>Since Drexel purchased the med school they have been steadily increasing the pre-med undergrad program. But, don’t be fooled, it is not an easy school.</p>
<p>If you will consider the suburbs, I think Ursinus has a strong program.</p>
<p>I understand your reasons for not wanting Temple, but of all the area schools it has one of the best balances of “kind” GPA for undergrad while also a strong enough prep for med. school. You want to be careful to not protect the GPA to the point where your foundation in not strong enough for med school.</p>
<p>Your best course of action is to apply to all Philly schools. You can inquire as to the MCAT results; many schools will release the information but it is not always easy to find the data. I also encourage you to apply to all Philly schools so that you can price compare – med school is expensive, so you want to avoid debt in undergrad.</p>
<p>Premed is competitive at any top school.</p>
<p>Anyone know where I can find average MCAT scores from undergrad students at Drexel? Or an acceptance rate from people who go to Drexel?
Thanks</p>
<p>How about Lehigh, Muhlenburg, Villanova? They are not in Philly but not too far away either.</p>
<p>kaka sahib just go to penn if u get in … med skls will prefer someone who went to an ivy school that has a slightly lower GPA than someone who went to an “easier” school who has a higher GPA …</p>
<p>~theAnsw3r</p>
<p>Anyone know where I can find average MCAT scores from undergrad students at Drexel?</p>
<p>You’d have to get that info from Drexel. </p>
<p>I don’t know if finding out the “average” MCAT score is going to be meaningful. My son is pre-med at a large flagship. I know that the school has high med school acceptance. I don’t really care what the avg MCAT is at the school. I only care that my kid scores high…which he probably will be cause his ACT was high and he’s an A student. If he scores in the mid 30s on his MCAT, why would I care if the average at his school’s average MCAT is lower than his score???</p>
<p>There is a correlation between ACT score and MCAT score.</p>
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</p>
<p>That is utterly absurd, especially since we have so many students here who are pre-med…</p>
<p>There is a correlation between ACT scores and MCAT scores? That’s interesting and very reassuring. Anywhere I can get some more info on this?</p>